A COPY of the LETTER FROM His Excellency the Lord Generall CROMWELL SENT TO THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT Called to take upon them the Trust of the Government of this Common-wealth WHICH Began on Munday the Fourth of June 1653. The day appointed by the Letters of Summons from his Excellency the Lord Gen. Cromwell for the meeting of these GENTLEMEN With the severall Transactions since that time LONDON Printed by M. S. for Tho Jenner at the South-entrance of the Royall Exchange 1656 A COPY of the LETTER From his Exccellency the Lord Generall Cromwell sent to the Members of Parliament called to take upon them the Trust of the Government of this Common-wealth FOrasmuch as upon the dissolution of the late Parliament it became necessary that the Peace Safety and Goverment of this Common-wealth should be provided for and in order thereunto divers persons fearing God and of approved fidelity and honesty are by my Selfe with the advice of My Counsel of Officers nominated to whom the Charge and Trust of so weighty Affaires is to be committed And having good assurance of your love to and courage for God and the interest of his Cause and of the good people of this Common-wealth I Oliver Cromwell Captain Generall and Commander in Chief of all the Armies and Forces raised and to be raised within this Common-wealth do hereby summon and require you being one of the persons nominated personally to be and appear at the Counsell Chamber commonly known or called by the name of the Councell Chamber at White Hall within the City of Westminster upon the fourth day of July next ensuing the date hereof then and there to take upon you the said Trust unto which you are hereby called and appointed to serve as a Member for the County of And hereof you are not to fail Given under My hand and seale the day of June 1653. O CROMWELL Monday June 4. 1653. This being the day appointed by the Letters of Sâ—mmons from his Excellency the Lord General Cromwell for the meeting of those Gentlemen that were called to the Supream Authority they met accordingly in the Councell Chamber where being entred the Room above one hundred and twenty in number and being set round about the Table the Lord Generall standing by the window opposite to the middle of the Table and having as many of the Army-Officers as the room could well contein on his right hand and on his left his Lordship made a very grave Christian and seasonable speech and Exhortation wherein he breifly recounted the many great and wondrous mercyes of God towards this Nation and the Series of providence wherein the presence of God did wonderfully appear in carrying on this Cause and bringing affaires into the present condition beyond all expectation ascribing the glory of all to God alone He set forth also in particular the progresse of affaires since the famous victory at Worcester wherein that Arch Enemy of this nation was wholly subdued He likewise laid down the actings of the Army there upon after divers applications to the Parliament and much being wanting and forbearance together with the grounds and necessity of their dissolving the said Parliament which his Excellency declared to be for the presevation of this Cause and the interest of all honest men who have been ingaged therein Moreover he very amply held forth the clearenesse of the Call given to the present Members to take the Supream Authority and did from the Scriptures exhort them to their duties and incourage them therein desiring that a tendernes might be used towards all godly and conscientious persons of what judgment and under what form soever Which being ended his Lordship produced an instrument under his own hand and seale wherby he did with the advise of his Officer devolve and entrust the Supream Authority and Government of this Common-wealth into the hands of the persons then met who or any forty of them are to be held and acknowledged the Supream Authority of the Nation unto whom all persons within the same and the Territories thereunto belonging are to yeild obedience and subjection And they are not to sit longer then the 3 day of November 1654. Three months before their dissolution they are to make choyce of other persons to succeed them who are not to sit longer then a twelve month but it is left to them to take care for a succession in Government which Instrument being delivered to the persons aforesaid his Lordship commended them to the Grace of God This being done his Excellency and his Officers withdrew and the said persons so met having the Supream Authority put into their hands after some short space adjourned till the next morning eight a clock and appointed to meet in the old Parliament House there to seek God for direction in this great work and for his presence and blessing therein Hereupon without doing any further businesse they all departed The Names of the Members of Parliament which began June 4. 1653. With the respective Counties for which they serve Berks. SAmuell Dunch Vincent Goddard Thomas Wood Bedford Nathaniell Taylor Edward Cater Edward Cater Buckingham George Fleetwood George Baldwin Cambridge John Sadler Thomas French Robert Castle Samuell Warner Chester Robert Duckenfield Henry Birkinhead Four Nothern Counties Charles Howard Robert Fenwick Henry Dawson Henry Ogle Cornwall Robert Bennet Francis Langdon Anthony Rous John Bawden Derby Jervas Bennet Nathanael Barton Devon George Monke one of the Generalls at Sea John Carew Thomas Sanders Christopher Martin James Erisey Francis Rous Richard Sweâ—â— Dorcet William Sydenham John Bingham Essex Joachim Matthews Henry Barington John Brewster Christopher Earle Dudley Templer Goucester John Crofts William Neast Robert Holmes Southampton Richard Norton Richard Major John Hyldesley Hertford Henry Lawrance William Reeve Hereford Wroth Rogers John Herring Huntington Edward Montague Stephen Phesaunt Kent Lord Viscount Lisle Thomas Blount William Kenrick William Cullen Andrew Broughton Lancaster William West John Sawrey Robert Cunl ffe Leicester Henry Danvers Edward Smith John Prat Lincoln Sir William Brownelow Richard Cust Barnâ—by Bowtell Humphrey Walcot William Thompson Middlesex Sir Willam Roberts Augustine Wingfield Arthur Squib Monmouth Philip Jones Northampton Sir Gilbert Pickering Thomas Brook Norfolk Robert Jermy Tobias Fecets Ralph Walmer Henry King Willam Burton Nottingham John Oddingsels Edward Chid Oxon Sir Charles Wolsley William Draper Dr. Jonathan Goddard Rutland Edward Horseman Salop. William Botterel Thomas Baker Stafford George Bellit John Chetwood Suffolk Jacob Caley Francis Brewster Robert Dunkon John Clark Edward Plumstead Somerset Robert Blake one of the Generalls at Sea John Pine Dennis Hollister Henry Henly Surrey Samuel Hickland Laurence March Sussex Anthoney Stapley William Spence Nathanaell Studely Warwick John St. Nicholas Richard Lucy Wilts Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper Nicholas Greene Thomas Eyre Worcester Richard Salway John James Yorke George Lord Evrâ— Walter Strikland Francis Lassols Iohn Anlaby Thomas Dickenson Thomas St. Nicholas Roger Coats Edward Gill London Robert Tichborn John Ireton Samuell Moyer John Langley John Stone Henry Barton Praise-God Barboue Wales Bushy Mansel James Philips John Williams Hugh Courtney Richard Price John Brown Scotland Sir James
Reynell William Morrice Henry Hatsell Edmond Fowell John Hale John Dodderidge Thomas Saunders Excester Thomas Bampfield Thomas Westlake Plimouth John Maynard Timothy Alsop Darmouth Clifton Hardnes Edward Hopkins Totnes Christopher Maynard Burnstaple Sir John Coppleston Tiverton Robert Shapcot Honyton Samuel Searle Dorcet Col. William Sydenham John Bingham Robert Coker John fitz-Fitz-James James Dewey John Trenchard Dorchester John Whiteway Weymouth Melcomb-regis Dennis Bond Lyme-regis Edmond Prideaux Poole Edward Butler Dirham Thomas Lithame James Clavern Dirham City Anthony Smith Yorke East-Riding Sir William Strickland Hugh Bethel Junior Richard Darley Henry Darley West-Riding Lord Lambert Francis Thorpe Henry Tempest Henry Arthington Edw Gyll John Stanhop North-Riding George Lord Evre Col. Robert Lilburne Luke Robinson Francis Lassels Yorke City Lord Widdrington Thomas Dickenson Kingston upon Hull William Lyster Beverley Francis Thorpe Scarborough Edward Salmon Richmond John Bathurst Leeds Francis Alanson Senior Adam Baynes Hallifax Jeremy Bently Essex Sir Thomas Honywood Dionysius Wakering Henry Mildmay Carew Mildmay Sir Rich Everard Bar. Robert Barrington Dudley Templer Oliver Raymond Edward Turnor Sir Tho Bowes Hezek Hains John Archer Sir Harbottle Grimstone Colchester Henry Laurence L. Presid John Maidstone Maldon Joachim Mathews Gloucester George Berkley John Howe John Crofts Baynham Throckmorton William Neast Gloucester City Generall John Disbrow Thomas Pury younger Tewksbury Francis White Cirencester John Stone Hereford Maj. Gen. James Berry Edward Harloe Bennet Hoskins Benjamin Mason Hereford City Wroth Rogers Leompster John Birch Hertford William Earl of Salisbury Sir Richard Lucy Bar. Sir John Wittronge Sir John Gore Rowland Litton St. Albanes Albon Cox Hertford Borough Isaac Puller Huntington Gen. Edward Mountagu Henry Cromwell Nicholas Pedley Huntington Borough John Barnard Kent John Dixwell Wiliam James Henry Oxinden Sir Thomas Style Bar. John Boys Lambert Godfrey Richard Beale John Seyliard Ralph Welden Richard Meredith Daniel Shatterden Canterbury City Thomas St. Nicholas Vincent Denn Rochester City John Parker Maidstone John Banks Dover Maj. Gen. Kelsey Sandwich Mr Firâ—erne Quinborough Gabriel Livesey Leicester Thomas Beaumont Francis Hacker William Quarles Thomas Pochen Leicester Borough Sir Arthur Hasterig William Stanely Lincoln Thomas Hall Thomas Lister Thomas Hatchet Edward Rossiter Charles Hall William Wolley Francis Fiennes William Savile William Welby Charles Hussey Lincoln City Original Peart Humphrey Walcot Boston Sir Anthony Irby Grantham William Ellis Stamford John Weaver Great Grimsky William Wray Middlesex Sir John Barkstead Sir William Roberts Challenor Chute William Kiffen Westminster Col. Edward Grosvener Edward Cary London Thomas Foot Alder Sir Christopher Pack Thomas Adams Alder Richard Brown Theophilus Biddolph John Jones Monmouth Maj. Gen. James Berry John Nicholas Edward Herbert Norfolke Charles Fleetwood Sir John Hobart Bar. Sir William Doily Sir Ralph Hare Barronet Sir Horatio Townshend Phillip Woodhouse Robert Wilton Robert Wood John Buxton Thomas Sotherton Lyn-Regis Gen. John Disâ—row Maj. Gen. Skippon Guibon Goddard Norwich City Bernard Church John Hobart Great Yarmouth Charles George Cock William Burton Northampton Sir Gilbert Pickering Bar. Lord Cleypool Maj. Gen. William Boteler James Langham Thomas Crew Alexander Blake Peterburge Francis St. John Northampton Town Francis Harvey Nottingham Maj. Gen. Edw Whalley Edward Clud Edward Nevill Peniston Whalley Nottingham Town Col. James Chadwick William Drury Alderman Northumberland William Fenwick Lord Widdrington Robert Fenwick Newcastle upon Tine Walter Strickland Berwicke Col. George Fenwick Oxford Charls Fleetwood William Lenthall Robert Jenkinson Miles Fleetwood Sir Francis Norris Vniversity Nathanael Finnes Oxford City Richard Croke Woodstock Maj. Gen. William Packer Rutland William Shield Abell Barker Salop. Thomas Mackworth Phillip Young Samuel More Andrew Lloyd Shrewsbury Col. Humphrey Mackworth Samuell Jones Bridgnorth Edward Waring Ludlow John Aston Stafford Sir Charls Wosley Thomas Crompton Thomas Whitgreave Litchfield Thomas Minors Stafford Town Martin Noell Newcastle on the Line John Bowyer Somerset Generall Disbrow John Buckland Alexander Popham Robert Long. John Gorges Francis Luttrell John Ash John Harrington Lislebone Long William Whindham Francis Roll Taunton Robert Blake Tho Gorges Bath James Ash Wells John Jenkyn Bridgwater Gen. Disbrow Bristoll Robert Aldworth John Doddrige Southampton Lord Richard Cromwell Maj. Gen. William Goffe Robert Wallop Richard Norton Thomas Cole John Bulkley Richard Cob Edward Hooper Elder Winchester John Hildesley Southampton Tomn John Lisle Lord Com. Portsmouth Thomas Smith Isle of Wight William Sydenham Thomas Bowreman Andover Thomas Hussey Suffolk Sir Henry Felton Sir Thomas Barnidston Henry North Edmond Harvey Edward Wineve John Silkmore William Bloys William Gibbs Robert Brewster Daniel Wall Ipswich Nathanael Bacon Francis Bacon Bury St. Edmonds Samuel Moody John Clark Dunwich Francis Brewster Sudbury John Fothergill Surrey Sir Richard Onslow Arthur Onslow Francis Drake Lewis Audley George Duncomb John Blackwell younger Southwarke Samuell Highland Peter De La Noy Guilford Maj. Gen. Thomas Kelsey Rigate John Goodwin Sussex Herbert Morley Sir John Pelliam John Flagg John Stapley Anthony Sherly George Courthoppe Sir Thomas Rivers Bar Sir Thomas Parker Chichester Hen Peckham Lewis Anthony Stapely Rye Mr. Hayes Arundel Sir John Trevor Warwick Richard Lucy Sir Roger Burgoyne Edward Peyto Joseph Hawksworth Coventry City William Purefoy Robert Beake Warwick Borough Clement Throckmorton jun. Worcester Maj. Gen. James Berry Sir Thomas Rous Bar. Edward Pitt Nicholas Lechmore John Nanfan Worcester City Edmond Giles William Collins Wilts Sir Anthony Ashly-Cooper Sir Walter St. John Bar. Alexander Popham Thomas Grove Alexander Thistlewaite John Bulkley Richard Grubam-how William Ludlow Henry Hungerford Gabriel Martyn New Sarum William Stone James Hâ—ely Marlebrough Charls Fleetwood L Gen Devises Edward Scotton Lancashire Sir Richard Houghton Col. Standish Col. Holland Westmerland Christopher Lister Thomas Burton WALES George Twisleton Oriffith Bedwrda Col. Phillip Jones Evan Lewis Col. John Clark James Phillips Lord Cleypool Maj. Gen Rowland Dakins John Glyâ— Robert Williams Col. John Jones Col. John Cartar John Trevor Edmond Thomas John Price Hugh Price Charls Lloyd John Upton George Gwyn Henry Williams SCOTLAND Col. Mitchell Col. David Barclay Col. Winthrope Sir John Weyms L of Boghe Sir Edward Rhodes Godfrey Rhodes Col. Talbot John Lockhart Lord Cocktum Mr Disbrowe Judge Swyntoun Mr. Kerr Judge Advocate Whalley Judge Smith Col. Salmon Sir James Mac-dowell The Earle of Tweeddale Robbert Woossey Sir Alexander Wedderburn Col. Henry Markham Col. Whetham Lord President Broghill Lord Provost Ramsey Commissary Lockhart Scoutmaster genâ— Downing Alexander Dowglas IRELAND Lord Broghill Maj. Gen. Jephson Vincent Gookin Sir John Reynolds Col. Abbot Mr. Halsey Col. Sadler Maj. Redman Maj. Owen Sir Theophilus Jones Sir Hardresse Waller Maj. Morgan Mr. Bisse Mr. Tigh Col. Fowke Maj. Aston Mr. Blagny Lieut. Col. Newborough Lieut. Col. Berisford Ralph King Col. Cooper Lieut. Col. Tragle Col. Ingoldsby Walter Waller Sir Robert King Col. Bridges John Davis Maj. Potter Maj. Ratlife Col. Suttleworth FINIS
Hope Alex Bredy John Swinton Will Lockart Alex. Jefferies Ireland Sir Robert King Col. John Hewson Col. Henry Cromwel Col. John Clark Daniel Hutchinson Vincent Gookyn Called in by the Parliament since they sate Lord Gen Cromwell Maj. Gen. Lambert Maj. Gen. Harrison Maj. Gen. Desborough Col. Mat. Tomlinson Councell of State THe Lord Generall Maj. Gen. Desbrow Maj. Gen. Harrison Mr. Major Col. Sydenham Sir Anthoney Ashley Cooper Ald. Tichbourne Sir Charles Wolsley Sir Gilbert Pickering Mr. Carew Col. Jones Lord Viscount Lisle Mr. Lawrence Col. Mountague Mr. Strickland Cap. Howard The Lord Eyre Sir William Roberts Mr. Sadler Sir Robert King Col. Henry Cromwell Dr. Goddard Col. Barton Sir William Brownlow Cap. Stone Col. George Fleetwood Col. James Mr. Anlaby Mr. Bennet Col. Rous Col. Bingham An ACT Declaring what Offences shall be adjudged Treason BE it Enacted by this present Parliament and by the Authority of the same That if any person shall maliciously or advisedly publish by writing Printing or openly declaring that the said Government is Tyrannicall usurped or unlawfull Or that the Commons in Parliament assembled are not the supream Authority of this Nation or shall plot contrive or endeavour to stir up or raise force against the present Government or for the subversion or alteration of the same and shall declare the same by an open deed that then every such offence shall be taken deemed and adjudged by Authority of this Parliament to be high Treason That if any person shall maliciously and advisedly plot or endeavour the subversion of the said Keepers of the Liberties of England or the Councell of State and the same shall declare by an open deed or shall move any person or persons for the doing thereof or stir up the people to rise against them or either of them they or either of their Authorityes every such offence shall be taken deemed and declared to be high Treason If any person not being an Officer Souldier or member of the Army shall plot contrive or endeavour to stir up any mutiny in the said Army or withdraw any Souldiers or Officers from their obedience to their Superiour Officers or from the present Government as aforesaid or shall procure invite aid or assist any Forreigners or strangers to invade England or Ireland or shall adhere to any Forces raised by the Enemies of the Parliament Common-wealth or Keâ—per of the Liberties of England or if any person shall counâ—efeit the Great Seale of England for the time being used and appointed by Authority of Parliament every such offence shall be taken to be high Treason and also forfeit unto the use of the Common-wealth all and singular his or their Lands Tenements and Heriditaments Goods and Chattells Provided alwayes that no persons shall be indicted and arraigned for any of the Offences mentioned in this Act unlesse such Offenders shall be indicted or prosecuted for the same within one year after the Offence committed That if any person shall counterfeit the money of this Common-wealth or shall bring any false money into this Land counterfeit or other like to the money of this Common-wealth knowing the money to be false to merchandize or make payment in deceit of the people of this Nation Or if any person shall hereafter falsly forge and counterfeit any such kind of Coyn of Gold or Silver as is not the proper Coyne of this Common-wealth and is or shall be currant within this Nation by consent of the Parliament or such as shall be by them authorized thereunto Or shall bring from the parts beyond the Seas into this Common-wealth or into any the dominions of the same any such false and counterfeit Coyne of money being currant within the same as is above said knowing the same to be false to the intent to offer or make payment by merchandize or otherwise or shall impaire diminish falsifie clip wash round file scale or lighten for wicked lucre or gaines sake any the proper moneys of this Common-wealth or any other Realm allowed and suffered to be currant All such Offences adjudged high Treason their counsellours procurers aiders and abettors being convicted shall suffer paines of death It shall not extend to or be adjudged to make any corruption of blood to any of the Heires or to make the wife to forfeit her Dour or her title action or interest in the same July 17. 1649. A Relation of the Mutiny on Tuesday the 22 of Nov 1653. in the New Exchange of the Portugall Ambassadors Followers c. THis night was a great Mutiny at the New Exchange in the Strand such as hath scarce ever been the like The businesse upon the best information that I can have from those who were present in part of the businesse and have conferred with others upon the whole is this On Munday night which was the night before three of the Portugall Ambassadours family whereof his brother was one being at the New Exchange they talking in French spake of such discourse of Transactions of some English Affaires which Col. Gerhard Sir Gilbert Gerhards brother understanding the French Tongue hearing told them very civilly that they did not represent the stories they spake of right whereupon one of the Portugalls gave him the lie upon that they began to justle and all three fell upon Col. Gerhard and threw him down and got upon him but tho he be but a little man yet he threw him off that was upon him and so was bustling with him a good while there were some Gentlemen there but knew not who it was they so assaulted and so ne'r medled with them and yet one of the Portugalls with his Dagger stab'd Col. Gerhard in the shoulder and hurt him sore but afterwards Mr. Anfrazer spake to the Portugalls that it was not civill nor handsome for so many to fall upon one three to one being very unequall and endeavoured to pull one of them off and so to perswade them to cease and thereby he came to see who it was they had assaulted who finding it to be Col. Gerhard which he knew well and seeing them still pursue their rage upon him he drew to relieve him and after some bustle the Portugalls went away one of them having a cut upon his cheek and that night afterwards near twenty of their Attendants came to the Exchange and would have quarrel'd with any body and some cuffing there was by some but not much more that night for it was late and they returned home On Tuesday night came about fifty of the Portugalls againe to the New Exchange of which number were the Ambassadours brother and two Knights of Malta and they were led on by a Portugall in Buffe whom they call Captaine one well known to some in the Exchange and they had generally double Arms all or most part of them swords and pistolls
Parliament shall as often as such failer shall happen assemble and be held at Westminster in the usuall place at the times prefixt c. 21. That the Clerk called the Clerk of the Commonwealth in Chancery for the time being and all others who shall afterwards execute that Office to whom the Returns shal be made shall for the next Parliament the two succeeding Trieniall Parliaments the next day after such Return certifie the names of the several persons so returned and of the places for which he and they were chosen respectively unto the Councel who shall peruse the said Returns and examine whether the persons so Elected and Returned be such as is agreeable to the Qualifications not disabled to be Elected And that every person and persons being so duly Elected and being approved of by the major part of the Councell to be persons not disabled but qualified as aforesaid shall be esteemed a Member of Parliament and be admitted to sit in Parliament and not otherwise 22 That the persons chosen and assembled in manner aforesaid or any sixty of them shall be and be deemed the Parliament of England Scotland Ireland and the Supream Legâ—slâ—tive power to be and reside in the Lord Protector and such Parliament c. 23. That the Lord Protector with the advice of the major pa t of the Councel shall at any other time then is before exprest when the necessities of the State shall require it summon Parliaments in manner before exprest which shall not be adjourned prorogued or dissolved without their own consent during the first three months of their sitting And in case of future war with any Forreign State a Parliam shall be forthwith summoned for their advice concerning the same 24. That all Bills agreed unto by the Parliament shall be presented to the Lord Protector for his consent and in case he shall not give his consent thereto within twenty dayes after they shall be presented to him or give satisfaction to the Parliament within the time limited That then upon Declaration of the Parliament that the Lord Protector hath not consented nor given satisfaction such Bills shall passe into and become Laws although he shall not give his consent thereunto provided such Bills contain nothing in them contrary to the matters contained in these presents 25. That Phillip L. Viscount Lisle Charls Fleetwood Esq John Lambert Esq Sir Gilbert Pickering Baronet Sir Charls Woolsley Bar. Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper Bar. Edw Montagu Esq John Desbrow Esq Walter Strickland Esq Henry Lawrence Esq William Sydenham Esq Phillip Jones Esq Rich Major Esq Francis Rous Esq Phillip Skippon Esq or any seven of them shall be a Councell for the purposes exprest in this Writing and upon the death or other removall of any of them the Parliament shall nominate six persons of Ability Integrity and fearing God for every one that is dead or removed out of which the major part of the Councell shall elect two and present them to the Lord Protector of which he shall elect one c. 26. That the Lord Protector and the major part of the Councell aforesaid may at any time before the meeting of the next Parliament add to the Councell such persons as they shall think fit provided the number of the Councell be not made thereby to exceed 21 and the Quorum to be proportioned accordingly by the Lord Protector and the major part of the Councell 27. That a constant yearly Revenue shall be raised setled and established for maintaining of ten thousand Horse and Dragoons and twenty thousand Foot in England Scotland and Ireland for the defence and security thereof and also for a convenient number of Ships for guarding of the Seas besids two hundred thousand pound per annum for defraying the other necessary Charges for administration of Justice and other expences of the Government which Revenue shall be raised by the Customs and such other wayes and means as shall be agreed upon by the Lord Protector the Councel and shall not be taken away or diminisht nor the way agreed upon for raising the same altered but by the consent of the Lord Protector and the Parliament 28. That the said yearly Revenue shall be paid into the publick Treasury shall be issued out for the uses aforesaid 29. That in case there shall not be cause hereafter to keep up so great a Defence at Land or Sea but that there be an abatement made thereof the mony which will be sav'd thereby shall remain in bank for the publick Service and not be imployed to any other use but by consent of Parliament or in the intervals of Parliament by the Lord Protector and major part of the Councell 30. That the raising of money for defraying the charge of present extraordinary Forces both at Land and Sea in respect of the present wars shall be by consent in Parliament and not otherwise Save onely that the Lord Protector with the consent of the major part of the Councell for preventing the disorders and dangers which may otherwise fall out both at Sea and Land shall have power untill the meeting of the first Parliament to raise money for the purposes aforesaid and also to make Lawes and Ordinances for the peace and welfare of these Nations where it shall be necessary which shall be binding and in force untill Order shall be taken in Parl. concerning the same 31. That the Lands Tenements Rents Royalties Jurisdictions and Hereditaments which remain yet unsold or undisposed of by Act or Ordinance of Parliament belonging to the Common-wealth except the Forrests and Chases and the Honors and Mannors belonging to the same the Lands of the Rebels in Ireland lying in the four Counties of Dublin Corke Kildare Katerlaugh the Lands forfeited by the people of Scotland in the late wars and also the Lands of Papists and Delinquents in England who have not yet compounded shall be vested in the Lord Protector to hold to him and his Successors Lord Protectors of these Nations and shall not be aliened but by consent in Parliament And all Debts Fines Issues Amerciaments penalties and profits certain and casuall due to the Keepers of the Liberties of Engl by Authority of Parliament shall be due to the Lord Protector and be payable unto his publick Receipt and shall be recovered and prosecuted in his Name 32. That the Office of the Lord Protector over these Nations shall be Elective and not Hereditary and upon the death of the Lord Protector another fit person shall be forthwith Elected to succeed him in the Government which Election shall be by the Councell c. Provided that none of the Children of the late King nor any of his Line or Family be Elected to be Lord Protector or other chief Magistrate over these Nations or any the Dominions thereto belonging And untill the aforesaid Election be past the Councell shall take care of the Government and administer in all things as fully as the Lord Protector or
that they should receive no harm in their own persons After that they had taken from the Judges their Paroll they let out the prisoners some for debt as Mr. Gokin who was in for 1000 l. and others and all the Theeves and malefactors with their Irons upon them mounted those that would joyne with them and went out after they had proclaimed Charls Stewart King being about 200. And from thence went to Blanford incouraging their followers that their chiefe Leader was comming from France to head them with 10000 men for they began to be discouraged that the Country people did not rise and joyne with them as was expected so that some of them have left them among which some of them are come to Whitehall to beg pardon They went from thence towards Dorchester The chief are said to be M. Gen. Sir Joseph Wagstaffe Sir Henry More of Berkshire John Penruddock Esq Maj. Henry Clark Esq Thomas Mumparsons Lieut. Col. Boll Capt. Hugh Grove Two of the Joneses c. There are divers of them taken Col Penruddocke Col Jones Mr. John Dean And Mr. Lucas Were Executed at the appointed places on Thursday and Friday last at Salisbury and Excester being the 3 and 4 of this instant May 1655. Sir William Ingram Sir Walter Vavasor Sir Hen Slingsby and divers other Gentlemen are suspected to have had an hand in the businesse a party of horse is gone this morning to secure such as can be found Sir William Ingram is brought in already Part of the Instructions and Orders given to the Major Generalls for preserving the Peace of the Common-wealth are as followeth THey are to endeavor the suppressing all Tumults Insurrections Rebellion or other unlawfull Assemblies which shall be within the said Counties as also all Invasions from abroad and to that purpose shall have power to draw together the said Forces or Troops and march into such places as they shall judge convenient in England and Walâ—s They are to take care and give order That all Papists and others who have been in Armes against the Parliament or assisted the late King or his Son in the late Wars as also all others who are dangerous to the peace of the Nation be disarmed and their Arms secured in some adjacent Garrisons or otherwise disposed of as may be for the publick service And to the end that the Highways and Roads may be more safe for Travellers and the many Robberies and Burglaries daily commâ—tted may be prevented They with the said Captains and Officers shall use their best endeavors to find out all such Thieves Robbers Highway-men and other dangerous persons as lurk lie hid in any place within the several Counties and the houses and places which they frequent and usually lodge in and take such course for the apprehending of them and also for the prosecuting them and their Receivers as is agreeable to Law And they have hereby power to appoint such reward not exceeding ten pounds to such person as shall discover and apprehend any such Thief Highway-man or Robber to be paid unto them after the conviction of the party so discovered and apprehended which the Sheriff for the time being shall pay and which shall according to an Act of Parliament entituled An Act for the better and more effectual discovery and prosecution of Thieves Highway-men be allowed to him upon his account They are to have a strict eye upon the Conversation and carriage of all Diaffected persons within the several Counties And they shall give the like direction to all the said Captains and Officers at their Meetings to be watchfull and diligent in the same kind As also that no Horse-races Cock-fightings Bear-baitings Stage-plays or any unlawfull Assâ—mblies be suffered or permitted within their Counties Forasmuch as Treason and Rebellion is usually hatched and contrived against the State upon such occasions and much Evill and Wickednesse committed They and the aforesaid Officers shall labor to informe themselves of all such idle and loose people that are within their Counties who have no visible way of Livelihood nor calling or imployment and shall consider by what means they may be compelled to work or be sent out of the Common-wealth As also how the poor and impotent of those Counties may be imployed and better provided for then now they are and certifie the same to us and the Councell for our further Direction thereupon And in the mean time shall endeavor as far as in them lies that the Laws in such cases made and provided be put in effectuall Execution They shall in their constant Carriage and Conversation encourage and promote Godlinesse and Vertue and Dâ—scourage and Discountenance all Prophanesse and Uâ—godlinesse and shall endeavor with the other Justices of the Peace and other Ministers and Officers who are intrusted with the care of those things that the Laws against Drunkennesse Blaspheming and taking of the Name of God in vaine by swearing and cursing Plays and Interludes and prophaning the Lords day and such like wickednesse and abominations be put in more effectuall execution then they have been hetherto They shall take an exact account of what proceedings have been upon the Ordinance for Ejecting of Ignorant Insufficient and Scandalous Ministers and Schoolmasters and take care that the same be effectually put in Execution for the time to come in all the Counties aforesaid and that from time to time they give an accout to us and our Councell All those that had any way assisted the King were Decemated that is they were to pay the tenth part of their Estate to the bearing of the charges of the Army which was setled in every County throughout the Land A Perfect LIST of the Names of the Persons returned to serve in this Parl. 1656. For the severall Counties and Corporations within the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging Bedford WIlliam Butler Kt. John Harvey Richard Wagstaffe Samuel Bedford Richard Edwards Bedford Town Thomas Margets Berkes William Trumball John Southby Edmond Dunche John Dunche William Hide Abington Thomas Holt Reading Sir John Barkstead Daniel Blagrave Buckingham Lord Whitlock Sir Richard Piggot Richard Grenvile Richard Ingoldsby Richard Hamden Buckingham Town Francis Ingoldsby Alisbury Thomas Scot Chipping Wiccomb Maj. Gen. Tobias Bridge Cambridge Ely Sir Francis Russell Bar. Robert Castle Henry Pickering Robert West Vniversity Lord Richard Cromwell Cambridge Town Alderman Richard Tymbes Ely John Thurloc William Fisher Chester Sir George Booth Bar. Thomas Marbury Richard Leigh Peter Brook Chester City Edward Bradshaw Cornwall Francis Rous John St. Aubin Anthony Rous Anthony Nicholl Richard Cartar Thomas Câ—ely William Braddon Walter Moyle Launceston Thomas Gewen Truro Walter Vincent Penryn John Fox Eastlow Westlow John Buller Cumberland Maj. Gen. Charls Howard William Briscee Carlisle Scoutmaster Gen. Downing Derby John Gell Sir Samuel Sleight Thomas Saunders German Pole Derby Town Gervase Bennet Devon Sir John Northcot Bar. Sir John Young Robert Rolle Arthur Upton Thomas
and coats of Male or Armour some one thing some another to preserve their bodies from swords entring upon them They had also two or three Coaches that brought Ammunition in which were hand Granadoes and Bottles and some little barrells of powder and bullets and other necessaries if occasion was They had also some Boats ready to attend them at the water side if occasion was for them also Thus they came with a resolution to fall upon every English Gentleman they should find in or about the Exchange and entring in with this equipage the people were exceedingly frighted For first came in the Captaine in the Buffe who led them and after him the Portugall Ambassadors brother and the Knights of Malta and so the rest all with drawn swords and in so furious a posture as if they intended to kill every body they met with that stood before them Hereupon the people fled into the shops in the Exchange to shelter themselves and all that did not so they fell upon though no man gave them the least affront yet they pistol'd and cut and wounded many Mr. Greneway a Gentleman of Grayes Inne Son to the Lady Greneway was there with his Sister and a Gentlewoman whom he was to have married who desired them two to staâ—d up in a shop where he saw them safe and they would have had him to have staid with them but he said he would onely goe see what was the matter but he was no sooner parted from them but immediately the word being given by the Portugall Captaine in Buffâ— which was Safa which was the word when they were to fall on without any affront offered towards them one of them pistol'd him and shot him in the head and he is dead of his wounds and many others tâ—ey have dangerously wounded Col. Mayo had twelve upon him at once yet drew his sword and fought with them as long as he was able to hold his sword in his hand which being cut he was forced to let his sword fall and then cut and wounded him in many places Mr. Tho Howard Mr. Carter and divers others were wounded passing by The Horse at the Muse had taken alarm before they returned and returning home passing by the Muse some of the Horse mo ing towards them some of them discharged pistols towards the Horse and the rest run home to the Ambassadours house but the Horse guards took some of them and carried them into the Muse and sent word thereof to the Lord Generall and a party of horse pursued them and beset the Ambassadors house And Commis Gen. Whalley sent into the Ambassador acquainted him with this horrible attempt and bloody murther of his Followers and shewed him his men they had taken prisoners and required the chiefe of the rest of them to be delivered in the hands of Justice which the Ambassador was loath to doe But seeing he could not baffle them to stop the course of justce in so horrible a bloody businesse as that had been he delivered up his brother and one of the Knights of Malta and some others such as they had then information was chiefe and promised to secure the rest to be forth-coming any of them when they should be demanded After which the Ambassador made his Addresse to the Lord Generall and chiefly for his brother but his Excellency told him that it did concern the publick and therefore his Addresses must be to the Parliament and Councell of State It is such a horrible businesse that his Excellency would not meddle with him in it The Portugals that are in custody are prisoners at Jameses and the businesse is under Examination before the Councell of State For his Highness the Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland The Declaration with the humble Addresse of the Generalls and the severall Commanders present in the Fleet by them severally subscribed THat these Nations of England Scotland and Ireland having been for some years like the Bush which burned but is not consumed And though the Nations round about us stand gazing on to see us made a desolation as well as a hissing unto them yet we are hitherto by the mighty power of the Lord and his wonderfull out-goings amongst us made rather an astonishment in our preservation then a reproach by our ruine and devastation In which great Work of the Lord we acknowledge with thankfulnesse your Highnesse hath been a glorious Instrument and hath undergone many hardships and hazard of all that was near and dear unto you even to life it selfe and understanding by providence your Highnesse is intrusted with and hath excepted of the Protection of this Common-wealth in the Government thereof We are in hopes that the Lord intends a settlement of Peace to these poor distracted Nations and that our selves with all the people of the Lord shall enjoy and partake of the same under your Highnesse Protâ—ction according to the Rule of the Lord Jesus And therefore we have thought it necessary as a duty incumbent on us to Declare that we shall willingly be obedient and faithfull to your Highness in performance of your great Trust and also in the utmost hazzard of our lives with what else is near and dear unto us be serviceable unto you in the station the Lord hath placed you against yours and the Common-wealths Enemies in our severall places and capacities during our Employments And having had good testimony of your great affection and earning bowâ—â—ls after the weale of Gods people wee are emboldned anâ—â—ncouraged in all humility to make this following Addrâ—â—â— That your â—â—â—hnesse will be pleased to have a more speciall eye of faâ—â—â—â— unto them above all others in regard they are near and dear unto him who is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings even our Lord Jesus For which cause he is ashamed to call them brethren And doe humbly apprehend that their priviledges will be your priviledge And to account of them as of your greatest Jewells which will doubtlesse turne to your great advantage And hereby you will for time to come not onely ingage their hearts unto you who in times past have not stood at a distance from you but your Highnesse will also ingage the great Jehovah your and their Father to be be a refuge shield and defence unto you as well as an everlasting rest for you when all the storms of this Common-wealth shall cease which is and shall be the unfeigned prayers of Your Highnesse most humble and faithfull Servants Signed by the Generalls and the severall Commanders present in the Fleet. Monday Dec. 12. 1653. It being moved That the sitting of this Parliament was not for the peace of the Common-wealth and that therefore it was requisite to deliver up unto the Lord Generall Cromwell the powers which they received from him and seconded by severall other Members and the Speaker with many of the Members departed to Whitehall being the greater number and did by a writing under their
Dominions thereunto belonging and other high Treasons tending to involve the Common-wealth in a new bloody war To which charge of High Treason the said Gerard and Vowel pleaded Not guilty pretending much ignorance and that they were innocent of the knowledge of any such designe and did very much presse the Court to grant them Counsell to advise withall and that they might be tried by a Jury which being not to be granted unto them and waved severall Witnesses were produced upon their Oaths to make appear what they were charged with as John Wiseman Dr. Hudson a blind man Mr. Charls Gerhard Brother to the Prisoner Capt. Dale one Mr. Wharton and others who did sufficiently prove That Mr. Gerrard was to command the party who were to murder his Highnesse the L. Protector as he was going to Hampton Court with thirty Horse and that the said Gerrard had engaged to bring 25 of the 30 and Maj. T Henshaw was to bring 5 more and it was also proved against him that he with Maj. Henshaw and the Witnesse J. Wiseman did view the severall Guards at Whitehall the Mewes and St. Jameses and had computed and designed 600 Horse as sufficient to seize and secure those Guards appointing also a party of Horse to march into Tuttle-fields as friends and so to fall upon the forces then mustering and cut them off It was also proved against him by his Brother Mr. Charles Gerrard that he was at severall meetings at his own Chamber near Essex house and at other places with Maj. Henshaw and Finch and others about this designe and particularly at Mr. Jones his House in Rose street in Covent Garden where in a Chamber Henshaw and Finch gave an account that they had each of them listed 800 men to be ready at a dayes warning severall other things were proved which he obstinately denied but confest his name was much used therein but was no intent Actor And for Mr. Vowell severall Witnesses upon their Oaths did testifie that he was at many meetings with Henshaw Finch Gerhard and other of the Plotters to contrive the management of this businesse being a person thought more fit to be a Councellor then an Actor and his reward should have been to be Master of Suttons Hospitall and it was also proved against him though he could not act himselfe yet he promised to procure those that should act and did engage one Capt. Billingsley who undertook to provide Riders for the Horses who should be taken out of Islington fields it was also proved his buying of Pistols and many other things sufficient to prove his hand deep in the businesse And for Somerset Fox he confessed so much as saved the Court much trouble in examining witnesses His part was to engage as many Apprentices and Citizens of London as he could in the businesse that so when the falling on was upon the Guards at White hall the Mewes and St. Jameses and Col. Ingeldsbies Regiment in Southwark and the rest of the Plot was in agitation there might be a rising and tumult made purposely in the City to imploy what force was there that no help might come elsewhere and the Lord Mayor was to have been seized and carried to proclaim Charls Stuart King at the Exchange and Dr. Wharton was to see him proclaimed yet notwithstanding all these witnesses Gerhard and Vowell denyed they knew of any thing of such a designe but they were not so satisfied but that a base design was intended too unworthy for a Gentleman to have his hand in as did further appear by the testimony of John Wiseman who did relate his going over into France with his brother in Law Maj. Henshaw where they met the said Mr. Gerhard at Paris and there had free accesse to the pretended King of Scots about this designe and received great encouragement in the businesse from Prince Rupert whereupon Henshaw and Wiseman returned into England and Mr. Gerhard came over about 3 weeks after to put the businesse in agitation immediately upon his arrivall the said Henshaw Finch c. repaired to his lodging near Essex house and received an account of the busines and so proceeded to act as the said Wiseman testified The Witnesses being all examined and the Prisoners heard what they could say for themselves the Attorney Gen. Solicitor Gen. and the Councell for the Commonwealth summ'd up all the Evidences and drew them into severall heads which they presented to the Court with the Prisoners at the Bar as objects of their Justice the said Gerhard and Vowell still remaining obstinate The Prisoners were commanded back to the Tower July 6. The Portugall Ambassadors Brother and the rest weâ—e againe brought to their Tryall at the Vpper Bench at Westminster and a Jury of 12 men whereof 6 Denizes and 6 Aliens Impannel'd and swore The Ambass Brother pleaded very hard his ignorance in the Lawes of England and desired Councell but that was denied and he told That the Court were of Councell equall and alike to him as to the Common-wealth and would doe according to Law and the Justice of the Cause Hereupon many Witnesses were sworn and examined and upon full hearing of the Evidence and what the Prisoners could say the Jury withdrew and in a short time returned and delivered their Verdict by their Foreman all agreeing finding them all 5 guilty of the murther and Felony for which they stood indicted whereupon Judgement was afterwards pronounced after a short speech made by the L Chief Justice Rolls in the name of the Court That they should return from whence they came and from thence be carried to the place of Execution there seveally to be hanged by the neck till they are dead The day appointed Saturday but the Prisoners moved for respite till Monday which was granted This afternoon also the High Court of Justice sat in Westminster-hall and there was brought before them Mr. Gerard Mr. Vowel and Mr. Fox who were demanded what they had more to say for themselves Gerhard and Vowell spake much to excuse themselves notwithstanding what had been proved against them after which the L. President Lisle made a learned speech to convince them of the desperate wickednesse of their designe and how fully the Charge had been proved and what punishments the Law had provided in such cases after which the Sentence of the Court was read severally to all three to this effect That upon mature consideration of the Treasons and Murthers plotted and contrived by them against his Highnesse the Lord Protector and the Common-wealth and raising a bloody war in the same the Court did adjudge them to be hanged by the neck untill they be dead Mr. Gerhard desired the Execution might be altered that he might be beheaded or shot to death and therefore petitioned to the Lord Protector About 4 in the afternoon Mr. John Gerhard was brought to the Scaffold on Tower-hill his behaviour was sprightly the substance of his discourse Cavalier-like boasting himselfe of the
above written January 22. 1654. The five months according to the instrument of the Government for the time allotted to sit being expired his Highnesse the Lord Protector sent a message to them to meet him in the Painted Chamber about 12 of clock where they being met he made a speech about two hours loâ—g for the dissolving of the Parliament and so declared than he did dissolve them Charles by the grace of God Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwell etc. YOu will easily believe that I am very well perswaded to hear how carefull and solicitous you are for my concernments and of the course you resolve to take The truth is I have been so tender of my friends that I have deferred to call upon them to appear till I could find my selfe able to give them good incouragements from abroad but since I find that comes on so slowly I would no longer refraine those affections which I must desire to be beholding to and have reason to believe that if they who wish one and the same thing knew each others minds the work would be done without any difficulty and if there were any handsome appearance in any one place the rest would not sit still and I am perswaded I should then find supplies from those who are yet afraid to offer them however I am sure I would my selfe be with those that first wished for me and to that purpose I would keep my selfe within a reasonable distance Consult with those you dare trust if you are already agâ—eed upon a time and you cannot promise your selves any thing that you will be disappointed in and which is in the Power of Your affectionate friend CHARLS R. July 16. 1655. March 13. 1655. THis day his Highnesse as also the Members of the Councell and the Officers of the Army were busie about the Plot and to subdue the risings in severall places All the Horses about London were this day seized on by Order from his Highnesse and the Councell to prevent any rising here This evening some hundred of Armes where brought into Whitehall from the Tower by water in Boats Backs and Brests and Swords which are there ready as occasion shall offer for use His Highnesse and the Councell sate very late untill after midnight this night making all possible means for suppression of all tumults and insurrections touching which severall Commissions and Instructions and Letters were dispatched to the severall Counties to the end the Common-wealth may be established in Peace that those who are risen may be suppressed and to prevent the like in other places A Relation of the severall Risings the truth whereof is as followeth THere were some Cavaliers said to be risen about Merioneth shire and other parts in Wales reported in all to be 7 or 8 hundred but not like to be so many of that party for some of those that rise in Wales were Inhabâ—tants to oppose any that should rise as was feared which intended to joyne with those of the Army Another party were risen in Nottingham shire noised to be 500 but not thought so many towards whom a party from Col. Hacker marched out of Leicester shire to suppresse them their intent was thought to be to have joyned with another party at Shrewsbury which were discovered and so their designe frustrated There were four men to go into Shrewsbury Castle two in womans apparrell and the other two as their men to wait on them who being got in at a seasonable time were to give notice by shooting off a Pistoll to a party of horse which they were to let in and so surprize the Castle of which Collonell Mackworth one of the sons of the old Collonell Mackworth deceased now the Governour having notice prevented their designe and hath apprehended the Lord Newport one White Sir Thomas Harris and severall of the Actors about 100 horse were found in a Barn and the Armes under straw in the same Barn which are taken and those parts secured Chester was also intended to be seized on Those that were risen in Nottingham shire so soon as they had an Alarm from Collonell Hackers Troops marching against them from Leicester shire the chiefe of the Cavaliers met in consultation what to doe and presently resolved to disperse and be gone because they were prevented of joyning with those intended to have risen at Shrewsbury and that a party of the Army were marching towards them and they had no security to retreat any where the Countries about not rising as was expected but rather opposing them It was debated what they should doe with their Armes for they had received a Cart load of Armes some would have had them thrown into the water but it was resolved to have them sent back to the house from which they were sent to them which accordingly was done and the Cavaliers dispersed presently upon it and some of the chief of them are apprehended and the Armes seized on Yorke March 26. 1655. Sir Richard Maliverer on Thursday night last sent for all his Tennants to a great Supper and then invited them all to joyne with him in taking up Armes and told them they intended that night to take Yorke for the King and appointed them a gate where he would meet them some four went along with him divers Gentlemen met them upon Hessay More and Carts laden with Armes after they had been there a while the appearance was so small to what was expected that they parted againe Sir Richard Maliverer went home and bid his Lady to take the best course she could for her selfe for he was necessitated to flye wishing himselfe well arrived beyond the Seas and so departed from her The Intelligence touching the Cavaliers that were at Salisbury is as followeth THe Judges came to Salisbury on Saterday last being met by Mr. Dove the High Sheriff and his men and that divers of the Cavaliers came into the Town it being a time as they supposed of least suspicion On the Lords day about midnight the Cavaliers randezvouzed and were above 100. Monday morning early they seized all the horses seized on the Sheriff about seven a clock would have forced him to proclaime Charles Stewart King which he refusing they wounded him in severall places cut him over the face with a sword knocked him over the head with a pistoll yet he told them he would loose his life before he would doe it and though he offered them money and other offeâ—s yet they took him away The Commander in chief was one Sir Joseph Wagstaffe formerly a Lieut. Collonell at the beginning of the late wars in the Parliaments Army but now revolted to the late King was a Collonell under him aâ—d now Major Generall to this intended Brigade for Charls Stâ—wart And they plundred both the Judges the Sheriff the Justices the Lawyers and Gentlemen and all of all they coulâ— get fit to carry away But afterwards one Penruddock told the Judges that Maj. Gen. Wagstaffe had given oâ—ders to assure them